2012 Pollinator Challenge

Congratulations to the Southwest Region, the 2012 Service Pollinator Champion!

In the Southwest Region, over 20 field stations participated in the Challenge. The Southeast Region and Pacific Southwest Region followed closely behind the Southwest Region in point totals – all earned over 1000 points!!

What is the Pollinator Challenge?

A challenge to USFWS Regions to include pollinator conservation and education in ongoing activities. Each Region earned points during the Challenge period for these activities. The Region with the most points at the end of the Challenge was declared the
2012 Service Pollinator Champion and won recognition as leaders in pollinator conservation and education.

The USFWS is involved because some pollinator populations are declining with the most probable causes being habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation, disease, and misuse of pesticides. The Challenge was a success because we increased our pollinator conservation and education activities in most categories over those reported in 2011.

Credit: USFWSBig Muddy NFWR, MO

Filling bee bowl trap for sampling bees.

2012 was another “buzzy” year for the Pollinator Challenge! Activities this year included:

Nearly 30 native bee surveys

Over 30 surveys for butterflies & moths

Approximately 30 surveys of other or multiple pollinators

Nearly 80 habitat enhancements

Over 40 pollinator garden enhancements

Over 40 new pollinator gardens & schoolyard habitats

Credit: USFWS
Big Muddy NFWR, MO

Identifying bees collected during surveys.

Credit: Elizabeth Ciuzio, USFWS
New Jersey Field Office, NJ

NJ restoration site including wildflowers to support pollinators.

Credit: Laurel Devaney, USFWS
Fairbanks Fish and Wildlife Office, AK

Fairbanks Alaska Youth for Habitat Program installing pollinator plants as part of their rain garden project.

Credit: Cody Stone, USFWS
Alligator River NWR, NC

Setting out to conduct the first pollinator inventory on Alligator River NWR.